Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 96
July 8, 2011
How to renew your tax credits
[image error]
The story so far... Gina (ex-journalist, new blogger) i...
The story so far... Gina (ex-journalist, new blogger) is disappointed by the lack of comments on her first blog post. But when she reads the kind of stuff that other people are writing and sees the comments they are getting, she is livid. Exhausted, she slumps on the sofa and waits for her husband to get home...
'Hi honey…'
'I'm in here, on the sofa.'
'Hi gorgeous.' I offer him my cheek; I don't get up. 'Where's Benjamin?'
'Still napping. He's been upstairs for the last hour and-a-half.'
'And you've been blogging. Let me have a look.' And he takes the lap-top from me and sits down.
'This is good. I like this one,' he starts telling me. But I'm not listening.
'I think I'll give up blogging,' I begin, as much to me as to him. He looks up. 'No, really; I'm through with it.'
'Really?'
'Really. I mean, what's it for? No-one ever reads it…'
'I read it.'
'You don't count. I mean none of the others read it.'
'The others?'
'The mummy-bloggers, the inner circle, the big blog cheeses with their groups and conferences and PR pitches.'
'Ah, the Cybermummys.'
And I have to laugh. Even though I want to cry.
'Don't you sometimes get that feeling, just occasionally, every now and then?'
'Not often,' he replies.
'Don't you sometimes want to throw the whole thing out, chuck it in, give it up completely and go into the country and just, I don't know, hug a tree or something? I do. Sometimes I really don't know where the next blog post's coming from; sometimes I really don't think I can compete with the kind of blogs I'm reading - well I mean I can, of course; I sometimes I just don't want to be a blogger any more.'
'Then what happens?'
'Oh, I don't know; I get an idea; something happens. Or I get an email; someone offering me something.'
'Ah...'
'Yes, ah...'
'And you realise it's actually quite lucrative.'
'I suppose it is, yes. I do.'
'And so you sit down at your lap-top and you tap-tap-tap away, and before you know it, you've got another post written and the comments start to come in and the whole cycle starts all over again.'
'Put like that, I suppose it does.'
'Of course it does. But it doesn't have to. It's really got you, this blogging thing hasn't it? You're an addict. You can't do without it.'
'No I'm not. I could give it up right now...'
'But you can't. Or you won't. It amounts to the same thing.'
'It doesn't,' I reply.
'What it boils down to is you keep thinking about chucking it all in but you never do. And you never will.'
I say nothing; never do. Instead, I turn my back on him and get the lap-top out. After all, there are comments to be written. That's the way I'm going. If they won't come to me, I'll go to them, join in. I'll comment on everything they're saying until curiosity gets the better of them and they come looking for me, commenting on my posts. Now, where was I? Ah yes…
They don't realise how hard it is for me. I feel so tired all the time. It's so depressing and I feel like I'm missing out on all the fun that Kylie and her mum should both be having.
Now if I just scroll down to the final comment. Yes, there it is again. I've found it:
What's up kid? Sending you some positive Twitter vibes...
Do you want to add a comment? Silly question, of course I do. Click 'Add Comment'. Go.
Aw, hun, it must be awful for you. Here's sending you some cyber-love. I'm thinking of you. Love, Gina.
Hit 'Send'.
Done!
[image error]
July 7, 2011
Cybermummy, part 2
The story so far... Gina has started blogging. But she's discovering that it isn't the route to happiness she was expecting.
Oh – my – God. I mean, oh – my – f**king – God. Just look at the number of comments she gets! Forty-five! Forty-f**king-five for that wet fart of a blog-post. I don't believe you morons, really I don't. I mean – look! Look at Supermarket Sweep - quality writing; entertaining; educating. And what does it get? Three comments and a bit of Swedish porn-spam. My God in Heaven, where's the justice?
Of course, they all feel sorry for her don't they? 'Course they do. I mean, just look at some of the drivel they've written in the comments section:
Here's (((((Hugs)))))) honey, hoping you'll feel better soon.
You said that yesterday, roughly at the same time, luvvie...
Aw, poor you! You must be really suffering xxxxx
Xxxx? Spider kisses.
What's up kid? Sending you some positive Twitter vibes...
What's up kid? What's up? She's made that abundantly clear, you arse-hole – she's a self-centred, hypochondriacal attention-seeking and manipulating BITCH - 'sweetie'! Well, at least you got the 'kid' bit right - she is; and a bloody big one too.
Oh, stop bitching Gina. It'll do no good. And anyway, there's a great big pile of washing that you should be doing. Chances are at this rate it'll still be here when Simon gets back home from work. And of course, he doesn't understand what I'm doing, does he? No. He'll come back home from work and take one look at the overflowing washing basket, sigh and ask me: 'busy day, love?'
Then he'll start to load the washer, probably telling me to go and put my feet up, have a cup of tea. Then afterwards he'll probably make supper. But not until he's bathed young Benjamin. Oh God, why can't he simply shout at me? Why doesn't he call me a lazy good-for-nothing, sponging off him, doing nothing all day but a bit of silly blogging? It's what I am, after all. And what I do. Why doesn't he hate me? God, I'd have some fabulous posts to write if he did.
Oh – my – God. I mean, oh – my – f**king – God. Just look at the number of comments she gets! Forty-five! Forty-f**king-five for that wet fart of a blog-post. I don't believe you morons, really I don't. I mean – look! Look at Supermarket Sweep - quality writing; entertaining; educating. And what does it get? Three comments and a bit of Swedish porn-spam. My God in Heaven, where's the justice?
Of course, they all feel sorry for her don't they? 'Course they do. I mean, just look at some of the drivel they've written in the comments section:
Here's (((((Hugs)))))) honey, hoping you'll feel better soon.
You said that yesterday, roughly at the same time, luvvie...
Aw, poor you! You must be really suffering xxxxx
Xxxx? Spider kisses.
What's up kid? Sending you some positive Twitter vibes...
What's up kid? What's up? She's made that abundantly clear, you arse-hole – she's a self-centred, hypochondriacal attention-seeking and manipulating BITCH - 'sweetie'! Well, at least you got the 'kid' bit right - she is; and a bloody big one too.
Oh, stop bitching Gina. It'll do no good. And anyway, there's a great big pile of washing that you should be doing. Chances are at this rate it'll still be here when Simon gets back home from work. And of course, he doesn't understand what I'm doing, does he? No. He'll come back home from work and take one look at the overflowing washing basket, sigh and ask me: 'busy day, love?'
Then he'll start to load the washer, probably telling me to go and put my feet up, have a cup of tea. Then afterwards he'll probably make supper. But not until he's bathed young Benjamin. Oh God, why can't he simply shout at me? Why doesn't he call me a lazy good-for-nothing, sponging off him, doing nothing all day but a bit of silly blogging? It's what I am, after all. And what I do. Why doesn't he hate me? God, I'd have some fabulous posts to write if he did.
July 6, 2011
Online mum of one
It's a funny old place, planet parent-blogging. Only yesterday I learnt - once again - that someone had been banned from one group or another, battle lines were being drawn and barricades manned. Or rather, women-ed. Or 'mum-ed'. Or even 'mum-bloggered'. The spats and fall-outs seem to come as regularly as the lunar cycles and - had I the time - I'd do some research into whether they are linked in some way. In the absence of empirical data I give you part one of a brief short-story I wrote some time ago, about the time of another major fall-out in the parent blogosphere. It's nothing directly to do with all the fighting. In fact, it's nothing to do directly with anything. It was originally called 'Cybermummy' before I saw that name had been taken as a trademark. So it's called 'Online Mum of One' instead, and the whole thing can be read in the anthology, Tiny Acorns. and you never know - if you like it, I might post the rest of it tomorrow...
'So, world – here I am!'
No, don't be silly; I can't possibly say that. I can't possibly begin my first blog-post in such a corny way. So how do I begin? What can I say that will get people reading? How do make myself stand out from the blogging crowd? Hmmm. Not as easy as you think, this blogging lark. I know; I've got it! I'll start by writing something funny. Yes – I'll tell a funny story. Ok, then. Funny. Here we go.
Monday 3rd July – Supermarket Sweep
You know how it is, you're in the supermarket and you're steering the trolley carefully, narrowly avoiding all the grannies chatting to each other right across the aisle; you steer a precise course down the centre, equidistant from each shelf, because if you didn't your little one would be stretching out his arms and reaching out for all those tempting-looking jars and cans. And you'll be half-way down the aisle before you realise the shelves are being emptied and that trail of devastation - those smashing bottles and those tins of baked-beans bouncing – is all your doing. Well, not strictly speaking yours – his: that cute, blue-eyed, blond-haired little cherub who is even now beaming like the very sun at all the people running round with mops and brushes and melting the hearts of all the pensioners tut-tutting at his mum. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? No? Well in that case this is probably not the blog for you.
Is it just me, or do all parents go through such public traumas when they try to go about their daily business? I need to know; that's why I'm sharing this with you. If you're a mum like me and you're as harassed as I am, let's commiserate. If you're not, if you're a super-mum and things like this don't happen, then I want to know your secret.
And if you're not a mum at all, go find yourself another blog to read (lol! Back soon! Love, Gina x
Yes, that's perfect. I like that, I like that lots. It sets up just the right light-hearted tone whilst at the same time making it clear what I'm about, and why I'm here. Of course, they don't know the real reason do they? Why should they? Let's just leave it there for now, shall we? Hit 'Publish Post' and see what happens. Ok then? Here goes!
Success! Your post has now been published. If you want to read it, click here.
Well I suppose I'd better have a look at it, hadn't I?
Just to make sure?
'So, world – here I am!'
No, don't be silly; I can't possibly say that. I can't possibly begin my first blog-post in such a corny way. So how do I begin? What can I say that will get people reading? How do make myself stand out from the blogging crowd? Hmmm. Not as easy as you think, this blogging lark. I know; I've got it! I'll start by writing something funny. Yes – I'll tell a funny story. Ok, then. Funny. Here we go.
Monday 3rd July – Supermarket Sweep
You know how it is, you're in the supermarket and you're steering the trolley carefully, narrowly avoiding all the grannies chatting to each other right across the aisle; you steer a precise course down the centre, equidistant from each shelf, because if you didn't your little one would be stretching out his arms and reaching out for all those tempting-looking jars and cans. And you'll be half-way down the aisle before you realise the shelves are being emptied and that trail of devastation - those smashing bottles and those tins of baked-beans bouncing – is all your doing. Well, not strictly speaking yours – his: that cute, blue-eyed, blond-haired little cherub who is even now beaming like the very sun at all the people running round with mops and brushes and melting the hearts of all the pensioners tut-tutting at his mum. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? No? Well in that case this is probably not the blog for you.
Is it just me, or do all parents go through such public traumas when they try to go about their daily business? I need to know; that's why I'm sharing this with you. If you're a mum like me and you're as harassed as I am, let's commiserate. If you're not, if you're a super-mum and things like this don't happen, then I want to know your secret.
And if you're not a mum at all, go find yourself another blog to read (lol! Back soon! Love, Gina x
Yes, that's perfect. I like that, I like that lots. It sets up just the right light-hearted tone whilst at the same time making it clear what I'm about, and why I'm here. Of course, they don't know the real reason do they? Why should they? Let's just leave it there for now, shall we? Hit 'Publish Post' and see what happens. Ok then? Here goes!
Success! Your post has now been published. If you want to read it, click here.
Well I suppose I'd better have a look at it, hadn't I?
Just to make sure?
July 4, 2011
Take the vow... say 'I do'.
No, not to your intended. Or anyone else's for that matter. No. Take 'the vow' here to add your support to the charity Plan UK's
Because I Am a Girl
campaign. They're asking everyone to sign as part of the campaign to end early and enforced marriage.
Plan UK works to help realise children's rights across a range of sectors including education, health, child protection, child participation, economic security and water and sanitation and Because I am a Girl is their global campaign in support of girls' education. The campaign aims to ensure millions more girls in the world's poorest countries can access a quality education. And one way is by working to bring an end to early and enforced marriage.
It's simple enough for us. We have a choice. They - that is, the millions of young girls married young, against their will - haven't and it's estimated that one girl is married off every three-and-a-half seconds worldwide. The Guardian published an article about the practice (10 million child brides each year) last week and the #TakeTheVow campaign has just been launched to encourage everyone to add their voice to the growing number of calls for justice and fairness.
After all, it's no more than we'd expect for out own daughters.
Plan UK works to help realise children's rights across a range of sectors including education, health, child protection, child participation, economic security and water and sanitation and Because I am a Girl is their global campaign in support of girls' education. The campaign aims to ensure millions more girls in the world's poorest countries can access a quality education. And one way is by working to bring an end to early and enforced marriage.
It's simple enough for us. We have a choice. They - that is, the millions of young girls married young, against their will - haven't and it's estimated that one girl is married off every three-and-a-half seconds worldwide. The Guardian published an article about the practice (10 million child brides each year) last week and the #TakeTheVow campaign has just been launched to encourage everyone to add their voice to the growing number of calls for justice and fairness.
After all, it's no more than we'd expect for out own daughters.
July 2, 2011
iPad v EEE Pad... celebrity guest blogger
My dad's the original silver surfer. More, he's so tech-savvy that - in a complete reversal of the generational norm - I ask him for PC advice rather than the other way round. Dotterel senior is also a dedicated Mac Man - although he has dipped a tentative toe in the Android market recently. Anyway, he's been keen to do a like-for-like comparison of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer I've been sent to try out, and here is his report:
I have been an iPad 1 user since they first became available in the UK so I welcomed the opportunity to try Tim's Asus Eepad Transformer as I had been wanting to try an Android pad just to compare the two Systems. I must say I was impressed, the screen on the Transformer was just as bright and responsive as that on the iPad and the device felt solid and well built although it was a little on the heavy side.
The Eee Pad's cameras - front and back - are infinitely superior to those on the iPad2 and produced excellent quality HD video. That said, I am not quite sure why anyone would want to shoot anything other than very short video clips with a device of that size and weight.
Another big plus point for the Transformer is the docking keypad that is available as an optional extra. This facilitates a much better typing experience than the on screen keypad and, because of its built in battery, almost doubles the life of the Transformer's own power supply and virtually "transforms" it into a superior form of Netbook.
Whilst there are a lot of very good Apps available from the Android market I feel that this is the area in which the iPad still holds sway. I have a lot of iPad apps and that fact, together with the upcoming release of Apple's exciting iCloud service will keep me hooked to the iPad for some time to come.
So there you have it. In terms of technology it's the equal - and in some respects (like the camera) superior to the iPad. But the Android market is clunky and needs some sorting out. And that's a verdict I can certainly endorse. Having been used to Apple's AppStore and it's user-friendly and intuitive interface, the Android equivalent leaves a lot to be desired. It tries, bless it. Oh dear me yes, it tries. Like an eager and helpful young pup asked to fetch me my slippers (but instead dropping at my feet a pair of half-chewed kippers) the Android Market took me to the King James Bible when I asked it for the 'Kindle' app and seems to think a Korean version of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' might appeal to me if I'm searching for social media applications.
Oh dear. Still, it makes for some interesting discoveries. I mean, who knew there was an App to 'helpfully track your babies eating, sleeping and pooping activities.'? I'd never have known if I hadn't been searching for something to help with my accounts.
It's called 'Baby ESP' in case you want to know.
A snip at $4.99.
This is not a sponsored post. Well, not by the people who make Baby ESP, anyway.
[image error]
I have been an iPad 1 user since they first became available in the UK so I welcomed the opportunity to try Tim's Asus Eepad Transformer as I had been wanting to try an Android pad just to compare the two Systems. I must say I was impressed, the screen on the Transformer was just as bright and responsive as that on the iPad and the device felt solid and well built although it was a little on the heavy side.
The Eee Pad's cameras - front and back - are infinitely superior to those on the iPad2 and produced excellent quality HD video. That said, I am not quite sure why anyone would want to shoot anything other than very short video clips with a device of that size and weight.
Another big plus point for the Transformer is the docking keypad that is available as an optional extra. This facilitates a much better typing experience than the on screen keypad and, because of its built in battery, almost doubles the life of the Transformer's own power supply and virtually "transforms" it into a superior form of Netbook.
Whilst there are a lot of very good Apps available from the Android market I feel that this is the area in which the iPad still holds sway. I have a lot of iPad apps and that fact, together with the upcoming release of Apple's exciting iCloud service will keep me hooked to the iPad for some time to come.
So there you have it. In terms of technology it's the equal - and in some respects (like the camera) superior to the iPad. But the Android market is clunky and needs some sorting out. And that's a verdict I can certainly endorse. Having been used to Apple's AppStore and it's user-friendly and intuitive interface, the Android equivalent leaves a lot to be desired. It tries, bless it. Oh dear me yes, it tries. Like an eager and helpful young pup asked to fetch me my slippers (but instead dropping at my feet a pair of half-chewed kippers) the Android Market took me to the King James Bible when I asked it for the 'Kindle' app and seems to think a Korean version of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' might appeal to me if I'm searching for social media applications.
Oh dear. Still, it makes for some interesting discoveries. I mean, who knew there was an App to 'helpfully track your babies eating, sleeping and pooping activities.'? I'd never have known if I hadn't been searching for something to help with my accounts.
It's called 'Baby ESP' in case you want to know.
A snip at $4.99.
This is not a sponsored post. Well, not by the people who make Baby ESP, anyway.
[image error]
iPad v EEE Pad,,, celebrity guest blogger
My dad's the original silver surfer. More, he's so tech-savvy that - in a complete reversal of the generational norm - I ask him for PC advice rather than the other way round. Dotterel senior is also a dedicated Mac Man - although he has dipped a tentative toe in the Android market recently. Anyway, he's been keen to do a like-for-like comparison of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer I've been sent to try out, and here is his report:
I have been an iPad 1 user since they first became available in the UK so I welcomed the opportunity to try Tim's Asus Eepad Transformer as I had been wanting to try an Android pad just to compare the two Systems. I must say I was impressed, the screen on the Transformer was just as bright and responsive as that on the iPad and the device felt solid and well built although it was a little on the heavy side.
The Eee Pad's cameras - front and back - are infinitely superior to those on the iPad2 and produced excellent quality HD video. That said, I am not quite sure why anyone would want to shoot anything other than very short video clips with a device of that size and weight.
Another big plus point for the Transformer is the docking keypad that is available as an optional extra. This facilitates a much better typing experience than the on screen keypad and, because of its built in battery, almost doubles the life of the Transformer's own power supply and virtually "transforms" it into a superior form of Netbook.
Whilst there are a lot of very good Apps available from the Android market I feel that this is the area in which the iPad still holds sway. I have a lot of iPad apps and that fact, together with the upcoming release of Apple's exciting iCloud service will keep me hooked to the iPad for some time to come.
So there you have it. In terms of technology it's the equal - and in some respects (like the camera) superior to the iPad. But the Android market is clunky and needs some sorting out. And that's a verdict I can certainly endorse. Having been used to Apple's AppStore and it's user-friendly and intuitive interface, the Android equivalent leaves a lot to be desired. It tries, bless it. Oh dear me yes, it tries. Like an eager and helpful young pup asked to fetch me my slippers (but instead dropping at my feet a pair of half-chewed kippers) the Android Market took me to the King James Bible when I asked it for the 'Kindle' app and seems to think a Korean version of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' might appeal to me if I'm searching for social media applications.
Oh dear. Still, it makes for some interesting discoveries. I mean, who knew there was an App to 'helpfully track your babies eating, sleeping and pooping activities.'? I'd never have known if I hadn't been searching for something to help with my accounts.
It's called 'Baby ESP' in case you want to know.
A snip at $4.99.
This is not a sponsored post. Well, not by the people who make Baby ESP, anyway.
[image error]
I have been an iPad 1 user since they first became available in the UK so I welcomed the opportunity to try Tim's Asus Eepad Transformer as I had been wanting to try an Android pad just to compare the two Systems. I must say I was impressed, the screen on the Transformer was just as bright and responsive as that on the iPad and the device felt solid and well built although it was a little on the heavy side.
The Eee Pad's cameras - front and back - are infinitely superior to those on the iPad2 and produced excellent quality HD video. That said, I am not quite sure why anyone would want to shoot anything other than very short video clips with a device of that size and weight.
Another big plus point for the Transformer is the docking keypad that is available as an optional extra. This facilitates a much better typing experience than the on screen keypad and, because of its built in battery, almost doubles the life of the Transformer's own power supply and virtually "transforms" it into a superior form of Netbook.
Whilst there are a lot of very good Apps available from the Android market I feel that this is the area in which the iPad still holds sway. I have a lot of iPad apps and that fact, together with the upcoming release of Apple's exciting iCloud service will keep me hooked to the iPad for some time to come.
So there you have it. In terms of technology it's the equal - and in some respects (like the camera) superior to the iPad. But the Android market is clunky and needs some sorting out. And that's a verdict I can certainly endorse. Having been used to Apple's AppStore and it's user-friendly and intuitive interface, the Android equivalent leaves a lot to be desired. It tries, bless it. Oh dear me yes, it tries. Like an eager and helpful young pup asked to fetch me my slippers (but instead dropping at my feet a pair of half-chewed kippers) the Android Market took me to the King James Bible when I asked it for the 'Kindle' app and seems to think a Korean version of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' might appeal to me if I'm searching for social media applications.
Oh dear. Still, it makes for some interesting discoveries. I mean, who knew there was an App to 'helpfully track your babies eating, sleeping and pooping activities.'? I'd never have known if I hadn't been searching for something to help with my accounts.
It's called 'Baby ESP' in case you want to know.
A snip at $4.99.
This is not a sponsored post. Well, not by the people who make Baby ESP, anyway.
[image error]
June 30, 2011
I am not on strike
Although I'm not at 'work'. Well, not the 'paid' external kind of work that seems to be the only thing that counts as 'work' when the subject is discussed on TV or the radio or in the newspapers. When I am, I'm a public sector worker so my pension is going to take a hit like everyone else's. (I exclude from this analysis all Chairmen - and they are - of the banks my taxes have been diverted to assist and other financial fat cats, but nevertheless...)
Having already taken 'time out' from salaried employment and signed up for more I can't imagine what a pittance my pension will be worth, should I live long enough to draw it. I need to take a leaf out of John Mortimer's book and create my own pension. In his case, of course, it was the immortal Horace Rumpole. Here he is in the person of the excellent Leo McKern being ably - and comically - interrupted by His Honour, Judge Robin Bailey.
'Stuff your pension!' as the late, great Philip Larkin once said. I think I could live happily in penury for the chance to create a character like that.[image error]
Having already taken 'time out' from salaried employment and signed up for more I can't imagine what a pittance my pension will be worth, should I live long enough to draw it. I need to take a leaf out of John Mortimer's book and create my own pension. In his case, of course, it was the immortal Horace Rumpole. Here he is in the person of the excellent Leo McKern being ably - and comically - interrupted by His Honour, Judge Robin Bailey.
'Stuff your pension!' as the late, great Philip Larkin once said. I think I could live happily in penury for the chance to create a character like that.[image error]
June 28, 2011
Author blogs!
I don't know. You wait all year for an author event and then two come along in the same week. It helps having a new book out, I suppose. And I was signing and selling it at Cybermummy on Saturday and having a great time doing so.
Thanks to everyone who came along and had a chat, anyone who bought a book or took away a leaflet. And thanks especially to Sian for letting me do it and Lego Duplo for sponsoring me in the first place.
I didn't speak at Cybermummy, of course. Although I could have done. I could've stepped in at a moment's notice. I was well prepared. Because a couple of days earlier I'd been invited to give a talk about writing and blogging at a local primary school.
I always feel a tiny bit apprehensive when I arrive at a primary school. I'm fine with an enormous, swilling mass of sixteen, seventeen and eighteen-year-olds. It's what I'm used to, I suppose. But the little 'uns - well, they're anyone's most demanding audience. (After talking to the Wrangle Reporters last Thursday, Cybermumy would have held no terrors, that's for sure.)
Without exception the children were courteous, polite and - above all - enthusiastic. I had a great time and - I hope - so did they. We did a stats analysis of their school blog and they were amazed by the global reach they were getting. We talked about books and writing and I listened to the stories they had written. Then we went to their school library and I gave them a couple of copies of my primary geography books, Discovering the UK and Discovering India.
I love that primary-age enthusiasm for everything, before the hormones kick in, before the industrial regimentation of secondary schooling. I usually leave wishing I'd trained to be a primary school teacher myself. In fact, I nearly did. I approached the Director of Studies of my PGCE course about transferring, but he was having none of it and told me I was 'built' to be a secondary school teacher.
I never was quite sure what he meant by that. I assume it has something to do with my height, which was certainly a talking point again on Saturday. Although this year - not only was I not the only daddy among the cybermummies - I wasn't the tallest person there, either. That honour goes to Alex 'Daddacool'... And he's welcome to it. Having been almost bent double first by the overcrowding on the busiest Northern Line train ever on Saturday evening, then by having to trail my wheely-suitcase (the one full of the unsold books!) round London on the second-hottest day of the year I can confidently say there are times when rural pleasures - and being a mere 6' 3" - are a distinct advantage.
But I digress. If you've got a spare blogging moment, take a look at some of the bloggers of the future. Get in quick while they're young and encourage some of that innocent enthusiasm for blogging.
Who knows - one of them might even be giving the keynote address at Cybermummy in a few years time![image error]
Thanks to everyone who came along and had a chat, anyone who bought a book or took away a leaflet. And thanks especially to Sian for letting me do it and Lego Duplo for sponsoring me in the first place.
I didn't speak at Cybermummy, of course. Although I could have done. I could've stepped in at a moment's notice. I was well prepared. Because a couple of days earlier I'd been invited to give a talk about writing and blogging at a local primary school.
I always feel a tiny bit apprehensive when I arrive at a primary school. I'm fine with an enormous, swilling mass of sixteen, seventeen and eighteen-year-olds. It's what I'm used to, I suppose. But the little 'uns - well, they're anyone's most demanding audience. (After talking to the Wrangle Reporters last Thursday, Cybermumy would have held no terrors, that's for sure.)
Without exception the children were courteous, polite and - above all - enthusiastic. I had a great time and - I hope - so did they. We did a stats analysis of their school blog and they were amazed by the global reach they were getting. We talked about books and writing and I listened to the stories they had written. Then we went to their school library and I gave them a couple of copies of my primary geography books, Discovering the UK and Discovering India.
I love that primary-age enthusiasm for everything, before the hormones kick in, before the industrial regimentation of secondary schooling. I usually leave wishing I'd trained to be a primary school teacher myself. In fact, I nearly did. I approached the Director of Studies of my PGCE course about transferring, but he was having none of it and told me I was 'built' to be a secondary school teacher.
I never was quite sure what he meant by that. I assume it has something to do with my height, which was certainly a talking point again on Saturday. Although this year - not only was I not the only daddy among the cybermummies - I wasn't the tallest person there, either. That honour goes to Alex 'Daddacool'... And he's welcome to it. Having been almost bent double first by the overcrowding on the busiest Northern Line train ever on Saturday evening, then by having to trail my wheely-suitcase (the one full of the unsold books!) round London on the second-hottest day of the year I can confidently say there are times when rural pleasures - and being a mere 6' 3" - are a distinct advantage.
But I digress. If you've got a spare blogging moment, take a look at some of the bloggers of the future. Get in quick while they're young and encourage some of that innocent enthusiasm for blogging.
Who knows - one of them might even be giving the keynote address at Cybermummy in a few years time![image error]
June 24, 2011
Win family tickets to Latitude Festival with Rowse Honey!
Get your sunglasses and wellies ready (well it's an English summer after all!) and get ready for some festival fun with your family this year. Rowse Honey is giving away five weekend family passes – for 2 adults and 2 children (under 13 years old) – to Latitude Festival. Simply go to the Rowse Honey Facebook page for your chance to win.
What's Latitude Festival all about? Well, set in the Suffolk countryside, it's more than just a music festival. Headliners are The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede, and there are many other huge bands to boot. Not to mention comedy, cabaret, theatre, poetry, film and loads of stuff for children and teens.
The Rowse Howse of Honey
Thanks to Rowse Honey, there'll be even more to enjoy at Latitude Festival. The Rowse Howse of Honey is a buzzing beehive where kids learn all about bees and honey. There'll be busy bee activities, face painting, waggle dancing and, of course, honey tasting.
Just follow the buzz…
The Rowse Howse of Honey will be buzzing (literally!) with fun and games for kids. Bee-prepared to get busy. Once inside the Rowse Howse of Honey, you'll be turned into newbees, taught all about beekeeping and honey, and sent on a special nectar-finding mission! Rowse Honey's entirely free event at Latitude Festival includes:
• face painting
• waggle dancing
• a real beehive
• honey tasting
• party bags
• lots of games and activities
You'll also meet Queen Bee and all her friends, like Miss B. Keeper, Dancing Bee and Mr Green Thumbs.
Kirstie Jamieson, who works at the home of Britain's best-loved honey, says, "We're dedicated to making sure this natural, tasty goodness won't ever cost the earth, or the bees. So we want to inspire a future generation of honey-lovers to produce it and enjoy it too."
If you'd like your children to discover the joy of bees, beekeeping and honey, then bring them along to this magical event. The Howse of Honey will be open everyday between 9:00 and 17:00. Just follow the buzz!
What's Latitude Festival all about? Well, set in the Suffolk countryside, it's more than just a music festival. Headliners are The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede, and there are many other huge bands to boot. Not to mention comedy, cabaret, theatre, poetry, film and loads of stuff for children and teens.
The Rowse Howse of Honey
Thanks to Rowse Honey, there'll be even more to enjoy at Latitude Festival. The Rowse Howse of Honey is a buzzing beehive where kids learn all about bees and honey. There'll be busy bee activities, face painting, waggle dancing and, of course, honey tasting.
Just follow the buzz…
The Rowse Howse of Honey will be buzzing (literally!) with fun and games for kids. Bee-prepared to get busy. Once inside the Rowse Howse of Honey, you'll be turned into newbees, taught all about beekeeping and honey, and sent on a special nectar-finding mission! Rowse Honey's entirely free event at Latitude Festival includes:
• face painting
• waggle dancing
• a real beehive
• honey tasting
• party bags
• lots of games and activities
You'll also meet Queen Bee and all her friends, like Miss B. Keeper, Dancing Bee and Mr Green Thumbs.
Kirstie Jamieson, who works at the home of Britain's best-loved honey, says, "We're dedicated to making sure this natural, tasty goodness won't ever cost the earth, or the bees. So we want to inspire a future generation of honey-lovers to produce it and enjoy it too."
If you'd like your children to discover the joy of bees, beekeeping and honey, then bring them along to this magical event. The Howse of Honey will be open everyday between 9:00 and 17:00. Just follow the buzz!
